5α-Reductase Inhibitory Potential of <i>Hibiscus rosa sinensis</i>: Effective for the Management of Alopecia

Abstract

The condition known as male pattern hair loss and benign prostatic hyperplasia are both treated with a family of drugs known as 5 alpha reductase (5α-reductase) inhibitors. This study shows that the flower of Hibiscus rosa sinensis has 5α-reductase inhibitory action that is helpful in the treatment of androgenic diseases. Phytochemical screening was done using petroleum ether, methanol, and water extracts to identify the phytochemical group present. Then, using quercetin as a reference flavonoid component, the Total Flavonoid Content (TFC) was assessed using a colorimetric technique. The 5α-reductase inhibitory activity was evaluated using several extracts and compared to the well-known 5α-reductase inhibitor finasteride. Finally, the inhibition of different extracts to the enzyme was assessed using a biochemical approach to measure the activity of 5α-reductase. It was determined that the IC<sub>50</sub> value of Hibiscus rosa sinensis methanolic extract, 146.048 ± 0.453 (μg/mL) and quercetin (a chemical biomarker of the plant material) 141.426 ± 1.578 (μg/mL), were promising candidates for future investigation into their antiandrogenic activities.